Assessment
A full history and a thorough examination of the skin, nails, circulation and, where relevant, your gait. You leave with a working diagnosis you understand and a plan agreed with you, not handed to you.
What We Treat
Athlete's Foot Treatment in Canary Wharf, London
Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a common fungal skin infection that leaves the skin between the toes itchy, flaky and cracked. It is highly contagious, spreads in damp communal areas such as gyms, pools and changing rooms, and readily spreads on to the toenails as a stubborn fungal nail infection. Athlete's foot treatment in Canary Wharf, London with our HCPC-registered podiatrists confirms the diagnosis, because in the early stages it is easily mistaken for dry skin, treats the skin, and shows you how to stop it coming back, since stopping the cream too early is the usual reason it returns.
What you're seeing
The concern
Athlete's foot is a fungal skin infection caused by dermatophyte fungi, usually Trichophyton rubrum or Trichophyton interdigitale and, less commonly, Epidermophyton floccosum. These fungi thrive in warm, moist conditions and most often affect the web spaces between the toes, the soles, and sometimes the sides of the feet. In the early stages it can form circular patches on the sole that are easily mistaken for dry skin; as it progresses you tend to get itching between the toes and wider patches of dry, flaky skin, and late, untreated infection can itch or burn enough to disturb sleep. It can also show as blisters or a moccasin-type pattern of dry, scaly skin across the soles. Mild cases usually respond to a topical antifungal used for the full recommended course alongside careful drying between the toes; more widespread or late-stage infection can need debridement of the infected skin, light therapy, or oral antifungal medication, which our prescribing podiatrists can start where it is appropriate. Left untreated it can spread to the toenails as a fungal nail infection, to the groin (tinea cruris), or to other people, and broken skin can allow a secondary bacterial infection. Our HCPC-registered podiatrists confirm the diagnosis, because several rashes mimic tinea pedis, treat the skin and any contributing factors, and advise on preventing recurrence. People with diabetes, poor circulation, or reduced sensation should not self-treat and should be seen promptly, as foot infections carry greater risk in these groups.
Excellent
From 4 five-star Google reviews
Source: Google
Christine is the feet whisperer, she is marvellous! I should have gone to her before I actually did. If you have any issues with your feet, do not hesitate — book an appointment to see her. Highly recommended!
Had been in pain for many weeks. As soon as I went to Canary Wharf Podiatry I was taken care of excellently and sorted out, by the kindest staff. This was my best ever medical experience. Thank you so much!
Had a great experience with Hinson the podiatrist — extremely patient and thorough in explaining the different treatment options. I really appreciated how professional and reassuring he was throughout the appointment.
Christine was very gentle and took the time to answer all of our questions. She explained everything clearly and educated us with so much patience. We will definitely be coming back.
Our athlete's foot care can help to:
Confirm it really is athlete's foot
In the early stages athlete's foot forms circular patches on the sole that are easily mistaken for dry skin, and several other rashes mimic tinea pedis. We confirm the diagnosis before treating, so you are not treating the wrong thing for weeks.
Settle the itch, flaking and cracking
We settle the itching, flaking and cracked skin between the toes with a prescription-strength topical antifungal used for the full course, because stopping the cream too early is the usual reason athlete's foot comes straight back.
Stop it spreading to your nails
Athlete's foot readily spreads from the skin on to the toenails as a stubborn fungal nail infection, which then reinfects the skin. We treat the skin and check the nails together, addressing the reservoir so the infection is less likely to keep returning.
Clear stubborn, late-stage infection
For a moccasin-type spread of dry, scaly skin across the soles or a late-stage infection, we debride the infected skin so treatment can work, and our prescribing podiatrists can add oral antifungal medication where it is genuinely needed.
Keep it from coming back
Because it is highly contagious and spreads in damp communal areas like gyms, pools and changing rooms, we finish with foot hygiene advice, drying between the toes, and antifungal sprays or powders for your shoes and socks to lower the reinfection risk.
Why it happens
What drives it
- Dermatophyte fungi (commonly Trichophyton rubrum or Trichophyton interdigitale) that thrive in warm, damp conditions and are often picked up from communal floors such as gyms, swimming pools, and changing rooms
- Feet that stay sweaty or damp inside enclosed shoes for long periods, creating the warm, moist environment the fungi favour
- Not drying thoroughly between the toes after washing, leaving moisture trapped against the skin
- Contact with infected surfaces, towels, socks, shoes, or bath mats, or sharing them with someone who has the infection
- Walking barefoot in shared wet areas where the fungus is present
- Skin already broken or softened between the toes, which lets the fungus take hold more easily
What does a podiatrist do at your first appointment?
Your initial consultation covers a full history and a thorough examination of the skin, nails, circulation and, where relevant, the way you walk. We explain what we find in plain English and agree a working diagnosis with you.
Where it is safe to do so, treatment starts the same day, and you leave understanding the plan and the options in front of you.
"I wish I had known about you sooner." We hear it constantly. Feet are easy to ignore until they hurt, so we treat podiatry the way a dentist treats teeth: a regular check and a little maintenance keeps small problems from becoming big ones.
- Two London clinics: Canary Wharf, inside LycaHealth at 1 Westferry Circus, and City Dock in Wapping.
- Rated 5.0 on Google, with an HCPC-registered team and evidence-based care led by an Oxford-trained Clinical Director.
- Founded in 2021 and grown almost entirely by word of mouth across two London clinics.
Athlete's foot treatment fees and insurance
You can self-refer and book online, with no GP referral needed. Many patients claim treatment back through private health insurance: cover varies by policy, and some insurers ask for a GP or consultant referral first, so please check your plan before booking.
- Self-referral: book directly online, no GP letter needed
- Detailed invoices and procedure information provided for insurance claims
- Claimable with insurers such as WPA, Aviva and Vitality, subject to your policy
- One transparent price list across both London clinics
Your journey
with us
Everything starts with an accurate diagnosis. We find what is really causing the problem, treat it, and help you keep it from coming back, so you can stand, walk and train on comfortable feet.
Treatment
The care your foot problem actually needs, from painless skin and nail work to nail surgery under local anaesthetic, using sterile technique. Where a procedure carries real risk, we talk you through it and take consent first.
Advanced care
Where it helps, we draw on on-site MRI and X-ray, custom orthotics made in our own lab, and treatments such as laser and shockwave, so the right tool is matched to the right problem rather than a one-size-fits-all fix.
Maintenance
We address the underlying cause, footwear, pressure or load, so the problem is less likely to return, and offer routine reviews and medical pedicures so your feet are looked after before there is a problem, not only once there is one.
What our podiatrists and chiropodists treat
- Nail surgery for painful, recurrent ingrown toenails
- Skin and nail conditions: verrucae, corns, callus and fungal nails
- Evidence-based fungal nail treatment, including laser
- Biomechanics and custom orthotics made in our own lab
- Musculoskeletal and heel pain, with shockwave therapy
- On-site MRI and X-ray for same-day diagnosis
- Medical pedicures and routine foot-care maintenance
- Prescribing podiatrists: medication started promptly when it is needed
Treatment approach
How Christine treats it
Initial Podiatry Consultation
Price on enquirySeveral rashes mimic athlete's foot, and in the early stages it is easily mistaken for dry skin, so we confirm the diagnosis first. We assess how far it has spread across the skin and on to the nails, check your circulation, sensation, and medical history, and start prescription-strength topical antifungal treatment where it is appropriate.
See treatment detail →Fungal Nail Treatment
Price on enquiryAthlete's foot readily spreads on to the toenails as a fungal nail infection, and an infected nail then reinfects the skin. Where the nails are involved we treat that reservoir, reducing the thickened nail and discussing realistic options plainly, including where oral antifungals or laser fit, so the skin infection is less likely to keep returning.
See treatment detail →Medical Pedicure
Price on enquiryA clinical medical pedicure is an adjunct, not a cure. Under sterile conditions we debride scaling and macerated skin so an antifungal can reach the infection, check the toenails for early fungal involvement, and give the foot hygiene advice that lowers the chance of recurrence. Antifungal treatment remains the mainstay.
See treatment detail →FAQ
Frequently asked
questions
How do I know if I have athlete's foot rather than dry skin?
In the early stages athlete's foot can form circular patches on the sole that look like dry skin, so the two are easy to confuse. Athlete's foot usually itches and often starts between the fourth and fifth toes, with flaking and cracking. If you are unsure, a podiatrist can confirm the diagnosis before you treat it.
Can athlete's foot be treated, and how long does it take?
Yes. Most mild cases clear with a topical antifungal used for the full course, often one to a few weeks, alongside drying carefully between the toes. Stopping early is a common reason it returns. Widespread or stubborn infection may need oral antifungal medication, so see a podiatrist if it is not improving.
Can athlete's foot spread to my toenails or to other people?
Yes to both. Athlete's foot is highly contagious and can spread to the toenails as a fungal nail infection, to the groin as tinea cruris, or to other people through shared floors, towels, and socks. An infected nail can then reinfect the skin, which is why we treat the skin and check the nails together.
I have diabetes: can I treat athlete's foot myself?
No. If you have diabetes, poor circulation, or reduced sensation in your feet, do not self-treat and see a podiatrist or your GP promptly. Foot infections carry greater risk in these groups, including the skin breaking down. Our HCPC-registered podiatrists will assess your feet safely and manage the infection and any complications.
When should I seek urgent medical help for athlete's foot?
Seek same-day advice if the foot becomes increasingly red, hot, swollen, or painful, if blisters weep or there is spreading redness, pus, or a fever, or if you have diabetes or poor circulation and notice any new skin breakdown. These can signal a spreading bacterial infection. Contact NHS 111, your GP, or attend urgent care.
Related What We Treat
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in Canary Wharf.
Canary Wharf Podiatry • 1 Westferry Circus, Canary Wharf, London E14 4HD
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